some researchers say this is the result of legislation promoting educational equality. some say it is simply because women are outperforming men in their studies. and some say it is a symptom of a broader societal change or maybe all of those factors. in any event, at southern methodist university, where sociologist ann lincoln studied the phenomenon, men still hold majorities in many workplaces, for the moment. >> but the wave is coming. and this is happening in medicine and in law and to a lesser extent in dentistry. and certainly has already happened in veterinary medicine and pharmacy. >> reporter: that means the economic recovery, security and future prosperity of the country may rest much more than many people realize in female hands. tom foreman, cnn, ames, iowa. >> that does it for us. thanks for watching. "piers morgan tonight" starts now. ♪ good morning, turtle. ♪ my friends are all around me ♪ my friends, they do surround me ♪ ♪ i hope this never ends ♪ and we'll be the best of friends ♪ ♪ all set? all set. [ male announcer ] introducing the r